K-Story: History and Songs of Korea
Korea is more than K-pop, dramas, and movies—it is a land with deep roots, where myths of heavenly princes, legends of brilliant generals, and tales of wise kings and queens shaped a nation’s destiny.
Book 1: Ancient Kingdoms takes readers back to the very beginning. From the first people of the Korean peninsula to the rise of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, this book tells how small villages grew into mighty kingdoms. Along the way, readers will meet a bear who became a queen, kings who claimed the mandate of Heaven, and a princess whose marriage changed history. They will hear songs of sorrow and triumph, discover the first laws and schools, and watch as Korea faced massive invasions yet stood firm against the greatest empire of the age.
Each chapter blends mystical legend, documented history, and beautiful songs side by side—showing how the spirit of storytelling and poetry that once stirred ancient villages still lives on today in K-dramas and K-pop.
Created especially for Korean American children and families, this book helps young readers connect with their heritage while inviting all readers to explore the epic story of Korea’s ancient past. With heroes and heroines, battles and betrayals, and timeless lessons of courage and resilience, Ancient Kingdoms is the unforgettable first step into Korea’s dramatic history.